Newsroom

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The Force (5-2) did not waste any time as they looked to rebound after dropping the first two games in the series versus New England (3-4). Clare Burnum started off the first inning with a walk and Chelsea Spencer followed with a perfect bunt. The speedy Spencer beat out the throw from third basemen, Jackie Pasquerella, but the ball hit off Spencer just as she was crossing first and rolled away. Spencer then advanced to second and Burnum advanced to third. Beach threw a wild pitch past batter Savannah Long and Burnum hustled home to make the score 1-0. Jenna Hall squeezed in the next run, putting the Force up 2-0 after the first inning.

The Riptide responded in the third inning as Force pitcher, Margo Pruis walked the first two batters. Carrie Embree laid down a bunt to first basemen, Amy Hudson, who tried to get the force-out at third base. Hudson could not get the out at third, as her throw went wild, loading the bases. Two batters later, Lisa Modglin hit a single to left field scoring pinch runner, Alex Sutton.

Despite the Riptide’s comeback, the Force did not back down as they added two more runs in the third inning. Hall singled and added an RBI. Michelle Tatlock, who pinch ran for Hall, also scored on a throwing error.

It appeared that the Force were running into trouble in the fourth inning after Pruis loaded the bases. Lyndsey Angus added an RBI when she was hit by a pitch but the Riptide batters were shut down when Gina Carbonatto lined out to Peel in right field.

Going into the seventh inning, The Force led 4-2. However, the Riptide rallied for two runs when Jessica Merchant hit a double to knock in two runs to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning.

The Force were quick to get the offense started in the bottom of the seventh as Amy Hudson led off with a single to left field. Megan Wolfer followed with a bunt, and both Wolfer and Hudson advanced safely as Pasquerella overthrew second base. Burnum ended the game when she hit a shot to right-center, scoring Hudson.

On the Mound, Amy Harre picked up the win for the Force after relieving Pruis. Eileen Canney took the loss for the Riptide.

Tomorrow the Force will be back in action at ECTB Stadium at 7:05 p.m. Megan Gibson and Katie Burkhart will travel to Allentown to make their rookie debut. All fans in attendance will receive a voucher for any game when the Force play Olympic contender, China. Saturday, fans who bring a gas receipt that is of at least $10 in value will receive up to four VIP seating upgrades from their purchased general admission ticket. Receipts must show that the gas was bought the day of the game. Also on Saturday, the first 100 fans will receive Combat Sling Bags.

Friday’s game will be nationally televised on tape delay on FSN. Cheri Kempf, President and Commissioner of the NPF, and Bernie Gunther will be doing the commentary.